THE golden age of Derby porcelain will be wowing visitors at a new exhibition.

Exotic pineapples, waterfalls and goddesses will form part of the display of masterpieces from the largest private collection of its kind in the world.

The Charles Norman Collection celebrates the output of Britain's most prestigious ceramics firm, which was "crowned" by King George III and known throughout the world as Crown Derby.

Admirers and serious collectors can marvel at almost 200 beautiful pieces of porcelain crafted by potters, painters and gilders in the late 18th century.

Eye-catching fruit and life-size flowerscapes provide impressive table centrepieces for the display, which starts at Fairfax House in Castlegate, York, on Sunday.

Peter Brown, from Fairfax House, said: "The natural world in all its magnificence was being 'captured' by these artists, but on a very intimate and personal level. What sets the Derby factory apart from its competitors was a commitment to producing pieces of the highest quality, and this principle is amply reflected in the examples on show in this important exhibition."

The exhibition runs until August 10.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, May 30, 2003